Friday Family Gaming News Update: 10/02/2015

Exciting things happen in the world of video games every single day. Everything happens so quickly that it can be tough for a parent to keep track of. Between work, carting the kids to everywhere under the sun, cooking, cleaning, and maybe (just maybe) getting a chance to sleep for a few hours parents just don’t have the time to keep up with everything happening in their child’s hobby.

If the above paragraph describes you, then we have an answer for you. Every Friday morning EFG will be publishing a digest of all of the video game news that is relevant for families. So kick back with your morning coffee and enjoy!

Mighty No. 9 gets a new release date

Mighty No. 9 will be released on Feb. 9, 2016 in North America according to an announcement by Deep Silver (the game’s publisher). It was a huge Kickstarter success, but the momentum has dulled in recent months as the development as sputtered. Mighty No. 9 will be available both digital and on disc for PlayStation 4, Wii U and Xbox One. It will be released digitally on the same day for Linux, Mac, PlayStation 3, Windows PC and Xbox 360.

I can’t wait to play this game, but I am sad to admit I am not very optimistic that it will be released on this newly announced date either. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Nintendo 3DS selects announced in UK

Nintendo UK announced a set of 3DS games being reprinted and discounted called the 3DS selects. Historically, games in this lineup (for the Wii and Wii U) have been sold at a reduced price.

We don’t know if this program will continue in the US, but it is very possible as we approach the Holiday season.

Project Spark for Xbox One goes completely free on Oct 5!

Microsoft has announced that Project Spark, the free-to-start game creation program will be transitioning to fully free starting on October 5th. The means that DLC that was previously behind a paywall will be available to everyone.

The update includes HUGE boosts in the maximum terrain and maximum prop limit, more than 200 new assets, as well as an increase to 100 total upload slots for each creator.

Anyone who spent money on the game before it transitions to free will release a credit on their account between thirty to sixty days from October 5th.

Project Spark is a very robust game creation program that presents its users with a change to make some pretty in depth experiences. If anyone in your family is interested in game design then this is worth a look. Just be ready for a steep learning curve.

Mario Tennis Ultra Smash Gets a Release Date!

Mario Tennis Ultra Smash will serve up another set of Mario Tennis action on November 20. It supports up to four players and will retail for $49.99.We don’t know much else about the gameplay but here’s hoping it’s an ace!

Super Mario Maker sales figures

It was revealed this week that more than 1 million units of Super Mario Maker have been sold around the world since its launch on Sept. 11. The addition of 1 million new “fan” developers has resulted in the more than 2.2 million new Super Mario courses. Those courses have been played 75 million times.

Nintendo tweeted out an interesting picture the other day revealing that several rare amiibo will be back on store shelves soon! They include Little Mac, Greninja, Shulk, Lucario, Fox, and Captain Falcon!

Zangief announced for Street Fighter V!

Minecraft Story Mode Trailer Released!

Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival Release Date

Nintendo updated the product page for Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival with a release date, a bundle and a price point!

About Stephen Duetzmann

Editor in Chief

So...who am I?

And, what makes me qualified to do this?

Well, I can tell you that I am not a web developer, or a journalist, or even a game designer. I am a Dad. I like to game. I want to game with my children. And, I have some ideas that I want to share with the world.

I'm 32 years old and I have been gaming all of my life. I'm into all kinds of games, and not just video games. Board games, tabletop games, card games and yes, even LARP games.

I've got a full time job, and I'm going back to school. I have an amazing wife and 3 wonderful children. My oldest is a 7 year old boy who is super smart and a total spazz. He's extremely excited to share his VAST (lol) video game knowledge with the world. My middle child is just learning about video games. He's 4 and he spends his time obsessing over his favorite super heroes or ponies, depending on the day. He LOVES playing games with his Daddy and big brother. My youngest is 6 months old and is learning to explore her world. She can often be found sleeping on her Daddy while I play test new games.

So, that's who I am. I'm just your typical super busy Dad who wants to share my gaming experiences with all of you.

Oh, and another thing! This website isn't all about me. I happen to have a wonderful group of friends and experts along for the ride with me. They are going to share terrific gaming information with you, too. View all posts by Stephen Duetzmann →